Aricept
Common use:
Aricept contains the active ingredient donepezil hydrochloride, which is an inhibitor of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. This blocks the disintegration of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for the transfer of excitation in the central nervous system. Aricept slows the progression of dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease.
Dosage and instructions:
Take it orally before nighttime. The recommended starting dose is 5 mg once daily for one month. The dose may be increased up to 10 mg a day. Do not swallow or chew the tablet whole; wait until it dissolves in your mouth. While it is dissolving, you may swallow from time to time.
Contraindication:
Aricept cannot be used in patients with hypersensitivity to donepezil or derivatives of piperidine.
Adverse reactions:
The most frequent adverse reactions include:
- Allergy symptoms: hives, rash, facial swelling
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Coughing up blood or vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds
- Painful or difficult urination
- Seizure: black-out or convulsions
Missed dose:
Never take a double dose of this medication. If it is almost time for the next dose, just skip the missed portion and continue to take the medicine according to the schedule.
Overdose:
Contact your doctor or seek immediate medical help if you experience the following symptoms:
- Severe nausea
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Intensive sweating
- Feeling light-headed
- Slow heartbeat
- Sweating
- Blurred vision
- Fainting
- Seizure: convulsions
- Myasthenia gravis
- Shallow breathing
- Muscle weakness
Storage:
Store at room temperature of 59-86 F (15-30 C) away from moisture and sunlight. Keep away from moisture (bathroom).